Legacy Gifts

More and more Canadians are discovering estate planning as another way to give to their favourite charities. For some it is a way to ensure that their memory lives on, for others it is a way to ensure that their favourite charity can continue its work. A bequest also helps mitigate tax implications when an estate is being transferred to surviving relatives.

How to leave a bequest to WoodGreen

Charitable bequests are the most common form of a legacy gift. You dont have to tell us that you have included WoodGreen in your will, but we would like to know so we can say thank you. Telling us also doesnt mean that you cant change your mind later. You can alter your will at any time.

If you already have a will, and would like to include The WoodGreen Foundation in it, you can do so by adding a codicil. A codicil is a supplementary paragraph added to your present will describing your gift intentions.

You may choose to leave a specific sum of money or a percentage of your estate in your will.

Sample bequest language

For a specific sum:

“My Executor shall pay The WoodGreen Foundation, the sum of $[amount] for its general purposes (or you can specify the name of a program if you so wish).”

For a percentage of your estate:

“My Executor shall pay The WoodGreen Foundation, [amount] per cent of the rest, residue and remainder of my estate for its general purposes (or you can specify the name of a program if you so wish).”

For a contingent bequest:

“If [name(s) of beneficiaries] do not survive me, my Executor shall pay The WoodGreen Foundation, the sum of $[amount] for its general purposes (or you can specify the name of a program if you so wish).”

When leaving a gift through your will, it is recommended that a lawyer be consulted. Some important information that your lawyer will require is covered under the section titled Lawyer and Advisor Information